Texas picked fourth in 2018 Big 12 football preseason poll

Sam Ehlinger sprints out looking for a receiver at the UT Orange-White Spring Game at DKR Stadium on April 21, 2018.

Sam Ehlinger sprints out looking for a receiver at the UT Orange-White Spring Game at DKR Stadium on April 21, 2018.

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Sam Ehlinger sprints out looking for a receiver at the UT Orange-White Spring Game at DKR Stadium on April 21, 2018.

Sam Ehlinger sprints out looking for a receiver at the UT Orange-White Spring Game at DKR Stadium on April 21, 2018.

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

Texas picked fourth in 2018 Big 12 football preseason poll

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AUSTIN – Texas' travails last season were typical of most teams in transition. Unlike Tom Herman's miraculous first season at Houston in 2015 (13-1, won Peach Bowl), UT in 2017 found itself trapped in a frustrating loop of pleasant surprises and letdowns.

Picked to finish fourth in the Big 12 football preseason poll, that's exactly where the Longhorns were when all was said and done. UT displayed plenty of chutzpah in close losses to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech, but ultimately finished 5-4 in conference play.

Despite making some positive strides, voters this year didn't see fit to elevate Texas. UT was picked fourth in this year's preseason poll, released Thursday afternoon, behind Oklahoma, West Virginia, and TCU.

Offensive improvement will be key to a breakout, and that starts with consistency and health along the offense line.

UT used eight different starting combinations last year. The Longhorns also lost All-American left tackle Connor Williams and right guard Jake McMillon, but return Patrick Vahe, Zach Shackelford, and Derek Kerstetter. The team also added Rice graduate transfer Calvin Anderson.

Sophomore quarterback Sam Ehlinger has the inside track to the starting job, but just like last summer, he will battle for that honor against junior Shane Buechele. Both fought through a medley of injuries last season, and the offense was never able to perform consistently amidst the constant turnover.

Herman hopes one man will emerge early in August and retain the job throughout the season. Given their development, a steady quarterback could be all receivers Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Collin Johnson need to bust out.

The second-year head coach was also pleased with the spring performances of freshmen quarterbacks Casey Thompson and Cameron Rising, and if a slew injuries again unfold, Texas should at least be better equipped to weather the storm this time around.

"I was really, really happy with the development of all four of those guys," Herman said. "I thought coach (Tim) Beck did a masterful job of developing them. We challenged Sam to quicken his release up a little bit, carry the ball a little bit higher and protect the ball. I think there's no doubt anybody who has been here and seen us practice throughout the spring, it is noticeable. He is making some throws in scrimmage situations that I don't know he could have made last year. That is exciting, really exciting because it's progress, it's development.

"With Shane, Shane has never been an arm-talent issue. Shane has incredible arm talent. He has a very quick release, very accurate. Shane's (problem) has been, don't just be a passive participant in the offense. I told him the other day, 'you're not the third-string cello, you're the conductor of his orchestra.' He has really taken that challenge and ran with it. I thought he had a great spring."

The defense will be led by preseason All-Big 12 selections Breckyn Hager and Kris Boyd, and linebacker Gary Johnson is primed to take on a bigger role with Big 12 co-defensive player of the year Malik Jefferson in the NFL. Senior defensive lineman Charles Omenihu contemplated turning pro, but UT's 2017 co-sack leader opted to return for another go.

UT's secondary lost Holton Hill and DeShon Elliott to the NFL, but Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, and a slew of talented freshmen should help soften the blow.

And despite losing key veterans on the defensive side, coordinator Todd Orlando was pleased with those who stepped in to fill the void throughout spring ball.

"There's a lot of (leaders) in my opinion," Orlando said. "You've got P.J. Locke, Chris (Nelson), Gary, (Malcolm) Roach, Hager, (Charles) Omeinhu. "I mean there's a lot of guys with a lot of experience. They've been through a lot of things together and when you look at juniors and seniors that's a nice luxury to have. None of those guys are non-vocal, they're all leaders for us."

Texas opens its season Sept. 1 on the road against Maryland at FedExField.